Fakarava is essentially a destination for diving and marine relaxation. Activities are concentrated around the passes and the lagoon.
Bottle diving — the flagship activity. Several clubs: Tetamanu Diving (based at Tetamanu in the south, south Tumakohua pass specialist), TOPdive Fakarava (PADI 5*, Rotoava), Topdive Fakarava. Prices: €60-90/bottle dive, packages of 5-10 dives €350-700. Mythical sites: South Tumakohua pass (the wall of grey reef sharks, world top 3, drift dive in current at rising tide), North Garuae pass (the widest pass in Polynesia, grey reef sharks in open water, green turtles, manta rays), Tetamanu Plateau (intact coral reef, reef sharks), Lighthouse (north, stingrays and turtles).
Grouper aggregation (June-July, full moon): the absolute event, to live once in a lifetime. Special dives organised by Tetamanu Diving and TOPdive Fakarava — booking 4-6 months in advance.
Boat excursions: Pink Sands (south-east, iconic pink-sand beach, day €90-150/person with lunch), drift snorkeling in the south pass (€40-80/person, supervised), deserted southern motus (€90-130/person, picnic exploration), historic village of Tetamanu (visit of 1834 coral church, historic cemetery).
Terrestrial activities (limited): walk in Rotoava village (coral church, the atoll's only shop, small market, snacks), bicycle or scooter rental to explore the main motu (€15-50/day). The full tour of the Rotoava motu (12 km) takes 2-3 h.
Pearl farm visit (Pearl Farm Fakarava, on Rotoava): explanation of black pearl culture, direct purchase possibility.
Read also
- Rangiroa — The other major Tuamotu diving reference, 30 min flight from Fakarava.
- Tuamotu archipelago — 77 coral atolls, South Pacific marine sanctuaries.
- Bora Bora — To combine with Fakarava for a balanced Society + Tuamotu trip.
- French Polynesia — Complete territory guide: 5 archipelagos, formalities, budget, best time.